The document outlines 101 ways to improve communication skills, including techniques for speaking, listening, and writing. It provides tips in several areas: communication techniques like reducing jargon and using humor; listening skills like preparing to listen and screening out distractions; speaking and writing best practices such as outlining, keeping messages concise, and expressing emotion; general tips involving reading, nonverbal communication, attitude, behavior, and miscellaneous advice. The overall goal is to present numerous strategies for enhancing one's ability to communicate effectively.

1. 101 Ways to Improve Your
Communication Skills
Presented by Catherine Jaggard
Reno, Nevada
January 10, 2006

2. Objectives
• Communication
• Techniques
• Listening
• Speaking and Listening
• Speaking and Writing
• General Tips

3. Communication
• Speaking
– Know what you want to say
– Control Fear
– Stop Talking and Listen
– Think before you talk
– Believe in your message
– Repeat Major Points
– Find Out what your Listener wants

4. Communication
• Techniques
– Define Acronyms
– Reduce Jargon
– Level Objections
– Use Humor
– Anecdotes and Stories
– Ask for feedback
– Increase your vocabulary

5. Communication
• Techniques -continued
– Eliminate Audible Pauses
– Enunciate Clearly
– Practice Pronouncing Words Properly
– Exercise Tongue, Jaws and Lips
– Make Eye Contact
– Gesture

6. Communication
• Techniques -continued
– Pause
– Speak more slowly
– Speak faster
– Vary Your Volume
– Watch your tone
– Record your voice

7. Communication
• Listening
– Prepare to Listen
– Focus on the Speaker
– Screen Out Distractions
– Concentrate on the Message
– Listen to Tapes while you commute

8. Communication
• Speaking and Listening
– Ask Questions
– Avoid Daydreaming
– Accept Accents
– Use mind mapping
– Interview
– Complaints
– Telephone

9. Speaking and Writing
• Key Points
– Write a Purpose Statement
– Outline
– Transfer Negative Emotions to Paper
– Get to the Point
– Explain Abstract words
– Use Absolutes and Generalities Sparingly

10. Speaking and Writing
• Key Points - Continued
– Ask for what you want
– Use active verbs
– Use gender neutral language
– Cite Source of Statistical Data
– Illustrate with personal examples
– Express Emotion
– Keep it simple (KISS) Method

11. Speaking and Writing
• Key Points - Continued
– Paint verbal Pictures
– Be Concise
– Support Statements with Details
– Watch Semantics
– Quote Authorities
– Consult Experts
– Suppress emotion

12. Speaking and Writing
• Writing
– Keep a Journal
– Take notes
– Write personal Notes
– Write Effective business letters
– Use Short Sentences
– Communicate online

13. General Tips
• Reading
– Read
– Keep up with Current Events
– Read Something Inspirational
– Use the Internet

14. General Tips
• Non Verbal
– Presence
– Give Nonverbal Cues
– Check Your Posture
– Dress Appropriately
– Smile
– Touch
– Shake Hands Properly

15. General Tips
• Attitude
– Intend to Improve
– Visualize
– Be flexible
– Be Likable
– Commit to Being Truthful
– Empathize
– Don’t take yourself too seriously

16. General Tips
• Attitude – continued
– Eliminate Negative Feelings
– Be receptive to New Ideas
– Take Responsibility
– Respect the Other Person’s Point of View
– Recognize the Impact of Stress on
Communication
– Be Real

17. General Tips
• Attitude – continued
– Check Your attitude

18. General Tips
• Behavioral
– Laugh
– Use Good Manners
– Recognize Manipulative Behavior
– Recognize Condescending Manners
– Avoid Words that Hurt
– Change Abrasive Behavior
– Handle Disagreements with Tact

19. General Tips
• Miscellaneous
– Organize Productive Meetings
– Consider Experience Level
– Understand the Importance of Timing
– Present a Good Personal Image

20. Questions